Caroline de Oliveira Langlois

Accuracy of linear measurements before and after digitizing periapical and panoramic radiography images

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of linear measurements made on conventional and digitized periapical and panoramic radiographic images of dry human hemi-mandibles. Images from the posterior region of 22 dry human hemi-mandibles were obtained by conventional panoramic and periapical radiography technique. Using a digital caliper, 3 vertical measurements were marked directly on the dry hemi-mandibles (reference measurements) as well as on the tracing from the conventional radiographic images of the specimens made onto acetate paper sheet: Distance 1: between the upper limit of the alveolar ridge and the lower limit at the mandible base; Distance 2: between the upper limit of the alveolar ridge and the upper limit of the mandibular canal; Distance 3: between the lower limit of the mandibular canal and the lower limit of the mandible base. Next, the radiographs were digitized and the three measurements were made on the digital images using UTHSCSA Image Tool software. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA (α=0.05). There was no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between periapical and panoramic radiographs or between the measurements recorded using the digital caliper and UTHSCSA software compared with dry mandible specimens for Distances 1 (p=0.783), 2 (p=0.986) and 3 (p=0.129). In conclusion, the radiographic techniques evaluated in this study are reliable for vertical bone measurements on selected areas and the UTHSCA Image Tool software is an appropriate measurement method.

Use of dental services and associated factors among elderly in southern Brazil

OBJECTIVE To analyze the use of dental services and associated factors among elderly treated at Family Health Units in southern Brazil. METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated 438 elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire covering demographic and socioeconomic variables, in addition to information on time elapsed since their last dental visit. Explanatory variables were classified according to Andersen and Davidsons model. Clinical variables were obtained by a trained dentist. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS The prevalence of use of dental services in the last 3 years was 41.1% (95%CI 36.5 - 45.7). Multivariable analysis revealed that the probability of not using dental services was higher among individuals who self-assessed their general health as poor or very poor (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.36; 95%CI 1.05 - 1.78), with less than 8 years of education (< 4 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.01 - 2.02; 4 to 7 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.04), users of alcohol (PR = 1.31; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.59), and those with no teeth (PR = 1.73; 95%CI 1.29 - 2.32). CONCLUSIONS The low prevalence of use of dental services among elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, especially among those with poor self-assessed general health, lower education level, and without teeth, indicate the need for public policies to improve social indicators and general health.